Silence reigns in the bathroom.
In a surprising turn of events, comedies have made a significant impact on the New York Times' list of the 100 best films of the 21st century. The list, published last June, featured not one, but two comedies that have left an indelible mark on cinema: Tropic Thunder (2008) and Superbad (2007).
Ben Stiller's directorial masterpiece, Tropic Thunder, stands out as the highest-ranked comedy on the list, securing the 8th spot. The film, which satirises the film industry and the making of war movies, stars Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. as a group of eccentric actors who find themselves in a dangerous jungle for a movie shoot.
Tropic Thunder's success is not limited to its ranking. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, further solidifying its place in cinematic history. Ben Stiller plays a faded action movie star in the film, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and poignant.
Superbad, on the other hand, tells the story of three high school boys who embark on an odyssey to buy alcohol for a party and fantasize about losing their virginity there. The film, which was considered among the 100 best films of the 21st century by the New York Times, is a testament to the power of comedies that are genuinely funny.
Interestingly, nearly one-fifth of the list compiled by the New York Times consisted of comedies, challenging the conventional wisdom that the film industry primarily awards and grants prestige to dramas. This trend suggests that comedies, when they are artistically demanding and resonate with audiences, can gain recognition and develop a cult following over time.
In addition to Tropic Thunder and Superbad, the list included the film Anchorman (2004), which tells the story of a vain, incompetent news anchor, and other comedies not explicitly listed in the provided search results. The New York Times jury likely recognised the value and impact of these films on contemporary cinema.
The inclusion of these comedies on the list serves as a reminder that humour, when used effectively, can be a powerful tool in storytelling. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of comedy and its ability to touch hearts and tickle funny bones, even in the most serious of times.
